Heritage In Rhythm: Tracing The Identity Of Adat Perpatih Through The Song “This Is Pilah”

Warisan Dalam Irama: Menelusuri Identiti Adat Perpatih Melalui Lagu “This Is Pilah”

Abstract

This article aims to analyze how the song WARIS, This is Pilah functions as a medium of popular culture that strengthens the cultural identity of the people of Negeri Sembilan, particularly through the expression of Adat Perpatih and local historical heritage. In the context of modernization and the influence of global culture, this study evaluates the role of contemporary music as a channel for conveying values and narratives of collective identity. The research adopts a qualitative approach through thematic content analysis of the song’s lyrics, supported by a literature review and data triangulation from academic sources related to Adat Perpatih, popular culture, and archaeological history. The findings identify four main themes. First, Appreciation of Custom and Religion highlights how marriage, inheritance, and the position of women are depicted in accordance with the principle “custom is founded upon religion, and religion is founded upon the Book of God”. Second, Social Structure emphasizes the roles of traditional leaders such as Buapak and Ibu Soko, as well as the Berkodin custom, which forms the foundation of community leadership. Third, Civilizational Heritage is represented through references to megalithic stones as physical evidence of Negeri Sembilan’s early history and civilization. Fourth, Traditional Food of Negeri Sembilan is symbolized through apam Johol, representing a cultural element deeply rooted in community identity. In conclusion, This is Pilah is not merely a product of entertainment, but also serves as a cultural education platform that integrates elements of history, religion, and custom into a modern art form. Popular culture through music like this proves to be an effective medium for preserving heritage and nurturing identity in contemporary society.

Abstrak
Artikel ini bertujuan menganalisis bagaimana lagu WARIS, This is Pilah berfungsi sebagai medium budaya popular yang memperkukuhkan identiti budaya masyarakat Negeri Sembilan, khususnya melalui pengungkapan Adat Perpatih dan warisan sejarah tempatan. Dalam konteks pemodenan dan pengaruh budaya global, kajian ini menilai peranan muzik kontemporari sebagai saluran penyampaian nilai dan naratif identiti kolektif. Kaedah kajian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis kandungan tematik terhadap lirik lagu, disokong dengan kajian kepustakaan dan triangulasi data daripada sumber akademik berkaitan Adat Perpatih, budaya popular, dan sejarah arkeologi. Hasil kajian mengenal pasti empat tema utama. Pertama, Penghayatan Adat dan Agama memperlihatkan bagaimana perkahwinan, pewarisan harta, dan kedudukan wanita digambarkan selari dengan prinsip “adat bersendikan syarak, syarak bersendikan Kitabullah”. Kedua, Struktur Sosial menonjolkan peranan pemimpin adat seperti Buapak dan Ibu Soko, serta adat Berkodin yang menjadi teras kepimpinan komuniti. Ketiga, Warisan Tamadun diterjemahkan melalui rujukan kepada batu megalitik sebagai bukti fizikal sejarah dan tamadun awal Negeri Sembilan. Keempat, Makanan Tradisi Negeri Sembilan dimanifestasikan melalui simbolik kuih apam Johol sebagai elemen budaya yang berakar dalam identiti masyarakat. Kesimpulannya, lagu This is Pilah bukan sekadar produk hiburan, tetapi berperanan sebagai wahana pendidikan budaya yang menyatukan elemen sejarah, agama dan adat dalam bentuk seni moden. Budaya popular melalui muzik seperti ini terbukti mampu menjadi medium efektif untuk memelihara warisan dan menyemai jati diri dalam masyarakat kontemporari.